The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has withdrawn its forces from Yemen, citing Saudi Arabia’s call for their departure within 24 hours.
The move comes after Saudi Arabia accused the Emirates of supplying weapons to a separatist group in Yemen, which the UAE denies.
“The shipment didn’t contain weapons, and the vehicles weren’t meant for any Yemeni party,” United Arab Emirates stated.
Saudi Arabia had deemed the UAE-backed separatist advance a threat to its national security, labeling the actions “highly dangerous”.The Saudi-led coalition had struck an Emirati shipment allegedly destined for separatists, prompting the UAE’s withdrawal.
Separatists in southern Yemen have made significant gains, seeking to revive the formerly independent state of South Yemen. Tensions between the Gulf monarchies are escalating, with Saudi Arabia warning the UAE’s actions cross a “red line”.